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I've never been to Jamaica and was looking for opinions on travelling to Negril or Montego Bay. For those of you who have been to either or both, which did you prefer and why? What are the differences besides location?  
Thanks

It depends on what you want from a Jamaican vacation. Negril is very laid back, feet in the sand kinda place. Negril has the 7 mile beach, 5 miles of it is unbroken. So, if you like to walk the beach and/or just plop yourself down with a good book, Negril will be best for you. Negril has water sports galore and is on the leeward side of the island so wind is not usually a problem. Negril has some beach entertainment but nothing big unless it's a special concert like the Bob Marley birthday bash. Negril has no dancing until sunrise and no foam party's.  
 
If you like to get out and shop until you drop or do a few touristy things, then Montego Bay. Be advised that the city of Montego Bay is very busy and at times very expensive. Eg; Beers on the beach in Negril are about 250 Jamaican dollars ($2.75Can), beers at Margaritaville in MoBay are 650 Jamaican dollars. MoBay has more night life and can be a lot of fun. MoBay is usually windy and not so much water sports. The beach will be what ever the hotel has to offer so no walking the beach for miles. Having said that about MoBay, some of the better hotel deals are found in or around MoBay.

Montego Bay is more the party and nightlife style Jamaica. Negril is relaxing, beautiful beaches and laid back fun.

I have to agree with what Irie Mon said. He is spot on. I have been to both and honestly would never go back to MoBay. You'll see enough flying in as that is where the airport is. The prices are overpriced and unless you are at a resort with a beach you have to pay at Doc Cave beach. I believe it cost $5US to get in plus if you want a chair or umbrella they charge you for those too. Oh and you will be pestered to buy crap non stop. Margaritaville is just a tourist trap and you will be gouged for mediocre food.  
 
Go to Negril you will be glad you did!

Sounds like Negril is exactly what we're looking for!

If you have any more questions about Negril or any of the hotels please don't hesitate to ask. I have been going to Negril for 24 years now and know a lot about where to go and what to see. Also Winnipeg has direct flights right from Winnipeg to Montego Bay. Negril is about an hour drive from the airport. FYI ebrandon has a couple of Negril condo rentals in the classified section under housing/real estate and then vacation properties for rent.

www.negril.com is a very good source of information. Up top of their home page is a hotel list with price guide. Be advised though the prices are mostly low season. Most if not all have a link to the hotels web site.

I've been to them all and I would choose Ocho Rios. It's close to lots of the excursions, the rain forrest & definitely my first choice. We've always stayed at the RIU. Last year we took our 2 kids with us and after tax it was $3400. 7 mile beach was probably the only thing I would say was better then Ocho Rios but we only spent half a day there & I guess the good thing with Montego Bay is that it's close to the air port. I'm sure you will have a great time in Jamaica no matter where you go or stay. Good luck and have fun.

Bereal2193  
I'm really curious where you found that amazing deal for your vacation?  
TIA

4 people to a RIU property for $3400 all in? Yeah you ain't going to find that anywhere. And especially not during high season. Unless maybe you find a promo for kids being free, even then it's a stretch. Good luck.

We left December 8 for 7 days and went to RIU Negril with 2 adults and 2 children ages 9 and 11. $3,400 included taxes and seat selection. Obviously children are going to be cheaper if not free. As you can tell I don't post much for this exact reason. Nothing but negative people and haters. There were many debates in other discussions that I wanted to voice my opinion but choose not to for this reason. I thought that the fact this was not a debate or fight just someone asking for others advice that I would voice my opinion. I know they didn't mention Ocho Rios but I thought I would mention it to them. I don't care where they choose I know that all Jamaica is nice and I hope they have a great time. I always shop around when I am travelling with the family as it can be expensive. Eitherway this will definitely be the last time I use ebrandon for anything other then buying and selling. I booked it through a place on rosser ave between 3rd and 4th figure it out. I don't really care who believes me or not. We went for that price to that hotel and had a great time and it's in the past. Three more months until we leave for Mexico. Can't wait. I guess the difference is I shop around and I can do a last minute deal.

Wow, that's taking it a little personal bereal2193. I wasn't doubting you found a last minute deal. And if its the place I am thinking of in the 400blk of Rosser that is a super deal! I was simply trying to say that during high season you will never get a deal for 4 to a RIU property for under $6-7k. If you don't believe me do a search. I searched Feb 20 for all of Jamaica at RIU properties and nothing under $8k for a family of 4.  
 
We are also a family of 4 and have done many a vacation so I am fairly up to date of the prices. I didn't mean to offend you at all.